"To the rooms of the Lady Varia," Nicanor answered. From his tone it was plain that the antagonism was mutual.
"Who commanded it?"
"Her nurse."
Even Hito had nothing to say to this. But, bound to show his authority, he thought to have the last word.
"Well, leave it, and I will send another. I have a thing for you to do."
"No!" said Nicanor.
Hito's little pig eyes glinted.
"So be it! Take it, then," he said, and his voice was smooth as oil. "You can still do what I would have—perhaps even better. Now pay attention. When you go to our lady's apartments, look well around and see one of her women there. She is, I know, on duty at this time, but in what room I do not know. Speak with her, if you can, and say that I, Hito, am willing to see her to-night, and that I expect her. She will understand! Say that I wait for her,—she will know where,—and if she does not come, I will find out why." He crossed his arms on his fat chest.
"If she is not in the outer room I cannot seek her. I am no eunuch," said Nicanor, shortly.
"Maybe she will be there," Hito replied. "See, this is how you shall know her. Look for one with black hair, with dark brows and eyes blue, white in the face and somewhat lean, as though consumed by inward fires,—of passion, you understand! Be sure and say to her that if she doth not come, I will find out why." He hugged himself gently, leering at Nicanor. "And—Nicanor, I ask this as a friend, not require it as a service; wherefore—you understand?—nothing need be said about it. I would not get the poor girl into trouble, but seeing that she urgeth so—"